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Top Story Spotlight
Bands, Brews and BBQs sparked community connection in and beyond Cozad
A small-town event sparked connections across Dawson County when Cozad hosted its annual Bands, Brews and BBQs Saturday, July 11.
The event, which was focused on community togetherness and creativity, included something for all ages, beginning with vendors in Veterans Memorial Park, and ended with a barbecue showdown that sent a team of cooks home with $500.
This year’s overall barbecue champion team was .308 Barbecue, claiming three trophies.
.308 Barbecue’s team and crew members were Tyrene Maack, Dallas Maack, Mike Maack, Bridget Hieter, Ernie Galvan, Casey Myer, Jacob Myer and Jordan Britt.
They earned first in both the pork and brisket divisions, with their leader Dallas Maack grinning from ear to ear as he raised the overall trophy into the air.
Dallas Maack of Cozad accepts the Overall Meat Masters trophy and prize payout for .308 Barbecue during their victory at Bands, Brews and BBQs Saturday in Cozad.
This was the second year in a row that they took home the first place trophy in brisket.
This year’s teams had to compete in three categories; beans, pulled pork and brisket.
Teams paid a $100 refundable registration fee. Meat was provided for the teams and had to be cooked onsite, starting at 5 p.m. Friday.
All cooking had to be completed by 5:30 p.m. Saturday, when judging began, so winners could be announced after gates opened to the public.
This year’s barbecue cookoff champions, .308 Barbecue, get ready to serve their winning brisket and pork to attendees of Bands, Brews and BBQs in Cozad. Team members (left to right): Dallas Maack, Casey Meyer, Ernie Galvan, Jacob Myer, and Tyrene Maack. Other crew and team members were Mike Maack, Bridget Hieter, and Jordan Britt.
Bands, Brews and BBQs kicked off at exactly 9 a.m. Saturday morning with retail and craft vendors at Veterans Memorial Park.
There were 34 total vendors attended the event, packing the park with everything from dirty sodas to crochet, resin lights to leather work, boots to home scents and 3-D printed items to apparel.
There was something for everyone, including food vendors.
Lexington native Maritza Pleitez ran a vendor booth for The Snack City where their mini pancakes were a hit. Pleitez signed up to raise funds for her Lexington Girl Scouts troop.
Pleitez’s Girl Scouts troops are raising funds to go to the Omaha Zoo, where they will get to sleep in the aquarium overnight.
She shared that the Tyson closure in Lexington has left some of her Scouts’ families scrambling to afford the trip for their girls, so she has set out to raise enough funds to pay their way.
“Events like this are important, honestly, to keep us all together,” Pleitez said. “Especially with the hard times like Tyson closing, we just need to be together and know that we have support and that there is stuff going on for families.”
Luna and Soul provides henna tattoos at the vendors in the park event of Bands, Brews and BBQs Saturday in Cozad.
Kids shopped with their families, ran lemonade stands and sold toys at their own booths in the park. At 11 a.m., inflatable bouncy house and slide were aired up for children to enjoy.
Across town, the Haymaker Open was held at the Cozad Country Club for golf enthusiasts.
KRVN offered people an opportunity to enter for a chance to win a 2024 Chevy Silverado, Yamaha Kodiak 250 and a Broil King grill.
At exactly 6:30 p.m., gates opened to the all-you-can-eat barbecue by the art mural across from the 100th Meridian Museum on Eighth Street.
Security was provided to check IDs and mark the hands of minors who would not be allowed alcoholic beverages.
All guests were able to sample the barbecue entries from the four competing barbecue teams.
A new sculpture stands in front of the Pony Express station at Veterans Memorial Park in Cozad. This statue was recently dedicated and was able to be viewed by people attending the vendors in the park portion of Bands, Brews and BBQs.
Barbecue contest winners
Baked beans:
First - Meat Gazers, $25 payout
Second - Double D Barbecue, $15
Third - .308 Barbecue, $10
Pulled Pork:
First - .308 Barbecue, $100
Second - Meat Gazers, $75
Third - Double D Barbecue, $50
Brisket:
First - .308 Barbecue, $100
Second - Double D Barbecue, $75
Third - Meat Gazers, $50
Overall Grill Master:
.308 Barbeque, $500
As guests enjoyed the barbecue, Lemon Fresh Day took the stage as the concert headliner.
Attendees could also enter to win KBEAR’s Polaris Rander SP 570.
Bands, Brews and BBQs was primarily hosted by the Cozad Chamber of Commerce with the help of multiple sponsors.
Around Town
The Around Town section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or service organizations.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
The 32nd Annual Joe Torres Sand Volleyball tournament is set for Sunday, July 26 at 8 a.m. at Plum Creek Park. The deadline to signup is Thursday, July 23 at noon. The entry fee is $100 per team. Contact Jim Macias to register at 308-746-3100 or Henry Vogt at 308-529-0705. This year's fundraiser is to support Dorita Glaze.
Lexington Regional Health Center Sensory-Friendly Moring at the Fair Thursday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dawson County Fairgrounds. Carnival rides, activities, games and snacks.
Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine Car Show Sunday, July 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
"Ladies Night at the Fair" Thursday, July 16 from 4-9 p.m. at the Dawson County Fair Commercial Building. Vendors, door prizes and cocktails.
The Platte Valley Auto Rodeo will be held Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 during the Dawson County Fair at 8 p.m. each night. Free BBQ meal with rodeo tickets each night at 6 p.m. Ticket prices: $12 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and ages 5 and under are free.
Live music lineup for the Dawson County Fair and Rodeo: Casey Chytka on Thursday, July 16 from 9 p.m. to midnight; The Punching Pandas on Friday, July 17 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Nate Keim on Saturday, July 18 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Happy 250th Birthday America" Tuesday, July 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's. Speaker is Linn Ann Huntington from Hays, Kansas. Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, July 20. Call Sheri 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
Elementary school bag Back-2-School event Thursday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to noon or until gone at 931 W. Seventh St., in Lexington. Sponsored by Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska.
Wine & Wings, Beer & Brats fundraiser night for the Blanche Senior Scholarship at Mac's Creek Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m.
Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
Stop by Security First Bank every Thursday in July for Root Beer Float Day.
Armchair Travels: Kevin and Mariann Boyd of Gothenburg, will talk about a recent trip to Peru and Machu Picchu Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Monthly Coffee Chat with hospice Chaplain Pastor Robert Litzenberger Thursday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the Grand Generation Center.
Pediatric Rehab Library event Friday, July 17 at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Crafternoon: Join the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. to make fabric bowls. Ages 15 and up. Register at the library by Friday, July 17.
Outdoor Movie sponsored by Wilson Public Library Friday, July 17 on the east side of Cozad Middle School on the practice football field at 9:30 p.m. Call the library for the movie title 308-784-2019.
Teen Crafternoon: Join the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, July 28 at 4 p.m. to make diamond art bookmarks. For ages 13-18. Register by July 24.
Wilson Public Library book sale begins July 27 to Aug. 7. Free will donation.
Star Party Friday, Aug. 7 at dusk on the north end of Cozad High School football field.
Maker Market every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. starting June 16 at The Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Tropical Sno Gothenburg 10th Anniversary Bash Sunday, July 19 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Axe throwing, Budda’s Meats food truck, yard games and prize wheel. Located at 605 10th St., Gothenburg.
Free swimming pool admission, sponsored by Gothenburg Health, on the following Saturdays: July 25. For all ages.
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Elwood Lions Club - Gosper County Fair golf tournament Wednesday, July 22 at 10 a.m. The 3-person scramble has registration at 9:30 a.m. at Lakeside Country Club at Johnson Lake.
MILLER HAPPENINGS
Miller's First Annual Summer Maker's Market July 17-18. Located at 322 W. Omaha Avenue, Miller.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Moana" (PG) - July 15 and 17-19, 22; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
“Supergirl” (PG-13) - July 24-29; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (PG-13) - July 31 - Aug. 2, 5 and Aug. 7-9 and 12; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
COZAD
Fox Theater, 100 E. Eighth St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $9, Student/Seniors/Military $8, 5 and under $6.50, Matinee (all ages) $6.50
SHOWTIMES:
"Minions and Monsters" (PG) - July 14-16; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - July 14-16; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
“Moana” (PG-13) - July 14-16; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"How to Train Your Dragon" (PG) - Wednesday, July 15 at 2 p.m.
"The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" (PG) - Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"The Odyssey" (R) - July 17-19, 24-26; Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.
“Minions & Monsters” (PG) - July 31 - Aug. 2; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Fun Pianos” - Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Lexington Public Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Watch for lots of fun programs and activities this summer. Also, we are continuing curbside services; call the library at 308-324-2151 for information.
Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Library.
Storytime meets at the Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Wilson Public Library normal hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. Public and private meetings have resumed, with 24-hour notice appreciated. Limits to how many attendees based upon room need, what equipment is available and other restrictions can be found by calling us at 308-784-2019 or stopping at the front desk. Normal policies about room rental can be found under Policies at wilsonpubliclibrary.org.
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER
The exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
TUESDAY
11 a.m. - Christian Women
11:30 a.m. - I've Got It with Ridgeway
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
FRIDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
TUESDAY
Chicken, Sausage and Rice Casserole, Tater Tots, Buttered Carrots, Pears
WEDNESDAY
Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce, Beans, Spanish Rice, Cold Veggie Salad, Tropical Fruit
THURSDAY
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops, Baby Bakers, Buttered Brussel Sprouts, Apricots
FRIDAY
Lemon Peppered Chicken, Rice with Veggies, Cauliflower, Cold Veggie Salad, Fresh Fruit
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
1 p.m. - Bridge
1 p.m. - Dominos
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
THURSDAY
9:30 a.m. - Community Chat with Robert Litzenberger
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Dressing, Frog Eyed Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Ham and Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Peaches, Cornbread, Dessert
THURSDAY
Liver and Onions or Cook's Choice, Potato Au Gratin, Green Beans, Pears, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Baked French Toast, Sausage or Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Hot Fruit, Veggie Sticks, Bread Pudding
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
The center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
TUESDAY
Hamburger Casserole, Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges, Salad, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Casserole, Tater Tots, Mixed Veggies, Cucumber Salad, Apricots, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
BBQ Pork Sandwich, Potato Salad, Cheesy Broccoli, Pears
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. All meals are subject to change without notice. Please call by 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Suggested meal price is $8 for 60 and above and $9 for under 60.
TUESDAY
Pork Stir Fry
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Parmesan
THURSDAY
Hamburger Steak
FRIDAY
Crab Chef Salad
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christian Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
Nebraska
Top Story Spotlight
Business report details job losses in Nebraska food processing
A look at the Tyson Plant in Lexington, Neb., on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Tyson Foods announced in November that it would shutter its Lexington beef-processing plant. More than 3,200 people worked at the plant, which closed Jan. 20.
A look at the Tyson Plant in Lexington, Neb., on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Tyson Foods announced in November that it would shutter its Lexington beef processing plant. More than 3,200 people worked at the plant, which closed Jan. 20.
A look at the Kellogg’s plant located 9601 F St. in Omaha, on Friday, May 29, 2026. In May, WK Kellogg Co. filed a notice indicating that it would close its Omaha plant by mid-August, eliminating 450 positions at the plant at 9601 F St., a plan first announced in 2024.
For Nebraska's important food processing industry, the hits in the past year have just kept coming.
Topping the list was Tyson Foods' closure of its beef processing plant in Lexington in January, which once employed 3,200 people. That move sent shockwaves through the south-central Nebraska community of about 10,000 people.
In May, WK Kellogg Co. filed a notice indicating that it would close its Omaha plant by mid-August, eliminating 450 positions at the 9601 F St. plant, a plan first announced in 2024. Skylark Meats, an Omaha meat processing plant, also will shutter its doors in August, costing more than 200 jobs.
A new economic report from Creighton University indicates that those losses are adding up: The nine-state region comprised of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Arkansas lost a combined 8,000 food processing jobs over the past 12 months, with Nebraska accounting for some 3,900 or nearly half of them, 48.9%.
A look at the Kellogg’s plant located 9601 F St. in Omaha, on May 29. In May, WK Kellogg Co. filed a notice indicating that it would close its Omaha plant by mid-August, eliminating 450 positions at the plant at 9601 F St., a plan first announced in 2024.
Overall, however, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index indicates that the regional manufacturing sector continues to improve, albeit slowly, said Ernie Goss, a Creighton professor and economist.
Gains are coming from manufacturing output, not jobs. The nine-state region lost manufacturing jobs for the 13th time in the past 15 months, according to the June report. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that the region lost 15,000 manufacturing jobs over the past 12 months, or about 1%, while the nation shed 47,000 such jobs, or about .4%.
Nebraska lost 4,800 manufacturing jobs over the past 12 months or 4.7% of its manufacturing base, the largest percentage loss across the nine states and second only to Missouri in actual jobs lost.
While most of Nebraska's losses were in food processing, it's a particularly important sector for the state, with its vast acres of corn and soybeans and its role in livestock production.
The location quotient for food processing — a statistical measure of the concentration of an industry or occupation in a region compared to the national average — is 3.68, one of the highest in the U.S., Goss said. Anything higher than one indicates a locale is exporting food processing beyond its borders.
"That just tells you how important food processing is in Nebraska," Goss said.
A truck departs from the Tyson Plant in Lexington, Neb., on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Tyson Foods announced in November that it would shutter its Lexington beef processing plant. More than 3,200 people worked at the plant, which closed Jan. 20.
Eric Thompson, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist, noted that the Nebraska closures are a combination of individual events.
"We're actually an excellent place for food processing, because of our abundant and reliable supply of feed, which makes us a great place to raise animals, which makes us an attractive location for processing plants," he said.
Goss, however, said manufacturing jobs overall — with food processing jobs being the focus in Nebraska — have been hurt by federal trade policies, namely tariffs and retaliatory practices.
Exports to China from that sector, for instance, were down between 50% and 60% between the first four months of 2024 and the same period in 2026, the latest data available.
Recently, the U.S. and China have been seeking to roll back tariffs on some agricultural products as both seek to preserve a broader trade truce struck last year, Bloomberg reported.
Other factors in the shedding of food processing jobs, Goss said, include technological advances that are leaving older, less-efficient plants behind and a shrinking cattle herd. The herd, both in Nebraska and the U.S., is at its smallest count since 1960. For companies like Tyson, that increases costs.
Donnie King, Tyson's president and CEO, alluded to both in a transcript of a February earnings call. The company also scaled back operations at its Amarillo, Texas, plant to a single shift.
Tyson, he said, recognizes the impact on people's lives and did not make the decision to close the Lexington plant lightly.
"At the same time, we made this necessary choice to right-size our beef operations with a smaller and more efficient footprint, higher capacity utilization and stronger alignment with the long-term outlook for the U.S. cattle herd," he said. "These decisions position us to improve our overall beef capacity utilization and to compete more effectively in the beef business, both now and in the future."
"Continuing to absorb losses like we have been seeing for the past two years is simply unacceptable," he said. "Looking forward, we expect cattle supplies to remain tight throughout 2026 and 2027."
A look at the Tyson Plant in Lexington, Neb., on June 25. Tyson Foods announced in November that it would shutter its Lexington beef-processing plant. More than 3,200 people worked at the plant, which closed Jan. 20.
Goss said the Lexington plant, which opened in 1990, was not as technologically advanced as the new Sustainable Beef plant that opened in North Platte in 2025, which operates with about 850 employees.
While some former employees of the Lexington plant moved out or transferred to other locations, others now commute to the North Platte plant via a bus service, according to a recent report by Nebraska Public Media.
It's funded by the state using federal dollars.
Kellogg's Omaha plant has operated for more than 80 years, opening in 1942 as the second Kellogg's manufacturing plant in the U.S.
The closure, the company said in announcing the phased shut-down earlier this spring, is part of a broader effort to consolidate Kellogg's manufacturing footprint. Production will increase at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ontario, while production will scale back at a Memphis, Tennessee, plant. The Omaha facility is the only one slated for full closure.
Other reports indicate that the breakfast cereal market has struggled for a number of reasons, including younger consumers' shift toward more portable options like yogurt and breakfast bars.
As for Skylark Meats, Green Bay, Wisconsin-based American Foods Group announced last month that it had decided to close its plant near 110th and I Streets in southwest Omaha so the parent company can focus "on its core business across its network of facilities and enhancing service to our customers."
Thompson, who grew up in the former industrial powerhouse of Buffalo, New York, said older plants tend to go first when businesses restructure.
But the loss of some older operations points to the need to keep trying to grow new ones.
"That's one of the big lessons here ... we've got to keep being aggressive at getting more things because we're always going to have some things closing," Thompson said.
See our best Omaha staff photos & videos from July 2026
Related
Hundreds of cars left Kellogg's Omaha plant abruptly on Tuesday after Kellogg's announced the plant would be closing by the end of 2026.
